Friday, October 5, 2012
94th year • Issue 8
THE INDEPENDENt
COLLEGiAN
Special Homecoming edition
Serving the University of Toledo since 1919
www.IndependentCollegian.com
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A letter from the Independent Collegian Staff Students, alumni, faculty, staff and administrators of the University of Toledo, Dating back 89 years, homecoming is the longest tradition at UT. What began in 1923 with a 27-0 shutout against Bowling Green and a way to raise support and money for the university, is now a twoweek long celebration that caps off with the community coming together in support of the Midnight Blue and Gold. While the event of Homecoming is one observed by universities everywhere, only we celebrate it as Toledoans. This is the
only community to truly appreciate what it means to be a Rocket and a member of the UT family. We at the Independent Collegian, a UT institution with a lot of history, wanted to find a way to show our love and support for the local community and this tradition. While we aim to report the unbiased facts to you, the readers, another goal of the Collegian is to capture the lifestyle and culture of the students, faculty and staff of the University of Toledo. Every member of the IC staff cares about the UT community. The IC is one of our ways of showing it. The direction of this newspaper is
to become student-centered and that mission becomes a lot easier when the paper not only listens to the voice of the students, but shows that it cares through special issues such as this one. Homecoming is a large part of the UT tradition and this edition is a way for us to give it the attention and coverage it deserves. And so, enjoy this fantastic weekend. Eat some good food, reunite with old friends and classmates and most importantly, watch the Rockets improve to 5-1. Thank you and go Rockets! The IC Staff
Photo courtesy of the University of Toledo Canaday Center
Friday, October 5, 2012 | The Independent Collegian |
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Rockets prepare for showdown against Central By Jay Skebba Sports Editor
Toledo took care of business on the road in Kalamazoo last weekend, knocking off Western Michigan 37-17 for their fourth straight victory, improving to 4-1 (2-0 Mid-American Conference) on the season. The Rockets haven’t seen a start this good since 2005. Junior running back David Fluellen shredded the Broncos defense all night for career-highs in rushing yards (213) and touchdowns (3) last Saturday, 94 of those yards came in the first quarter. Head coach Matt Campbell said the offensive line wasn’t the only key group helping him make plays. “When you turn the video on and you watch us run the ball successfully, my hat goes off to our wide receivers,” Campbell said. “Our offensive line played well, but the reason we have big runs and the reason we’ve had them the last three years is because of the way our wide receivers block downfield.” UT could look to get the ground game going early and often again this week against Central Michigan (2-2, 0-1). The Chippewas enter this contest with the third-worst rushing defense in the Mid-American Conference, allowing near-
ly 250 yards per game. A struggling UT pass defense caught a break when WMU announced last Tuesday that All-MAC quarterback Alex Carder would not play after injuring his throwing hand the week before. Carder wound up getting a pin inserted into his middle finger and no timetable has been set for his return. Toledo will not have that same luxury this weekend against Central in another MAC West battle. CMU’s offensive attack is led by senior quarterback Ryan Radcliff who is in his third year as the starter. He has completed 57 percent of his passes this year for 959 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions. He went 26-for-45 two weeks ago in a one-point victory over Iowa, throwing for 283 yards and a pair of scores. Radcliff ’s passer rating was a nearflawless 161.1. “He’s a young man that I know has great talent,” Campbell said. “I’ve had a chance to watch him and see his career blossom. I love watching him because he’s a great competitor.” The MAC’s worst pass defense will be presented with a much tougher test than last week. “He’s a great quarterback and he controls the offense very well,” said senior
If you go What: Toledo vs. Central Michigan Chippewas. Where: The Glass Bowl. When: Saturday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. Weather: Partly sunny, high of 54, 30 percent chance of showers. 2012 Records: UT (41, 2-0), CMU (2-2, 0-1). Last meeting: UT won 44-17 11/18/11. Series Record: UT leads 19-18-3. TV: ESPN 3. Radio: AM 1230/1370. Spread: UT by 10.
safety Mark Singer. “He has a good arm, some talented receivers and he has a nice running back. It’s going to be a challenge, but we’ll be ready for him.” Toledo’s defensive line has struggled to stay healthy all year and they were dealt at least one more serious blow last week. Senior defensive end and two-time All-MAC selection T.J. Fatinikun tore his Achilles tendon in the first half Saturday and will miss the remainder of the season. Junior Christian Smith — who started opposite T.J. — went down with a knee injury and could also be lost for the year. UT does have great depth along the line, but that unit will be tested in the coming weeks.
vincent d. scebbi / IC
Senior linebacker Dan Molls drills Brian Fields of Western Michigan Saturday.
The Rockets have relied on forcing turnovers and will have to continue to generate takeaways if their new faces can’t get to opposing quarterbacks. UT forced Western Michigan into four turnovers last weekend, including a 63-yard interception for a touchdown, to improve to +8 in turnover margin. “The number one stat in defensive football is takeaways,” Campbell said. “We’ve said from day one that I’ve been here that we are going to take care of the football on offense and we are going to do a great job getting takeaways on defense. I think the correlation is every year at the end, [the best team is] a team that’s up on top of turnover ratio.” Turnovers are always one of the biggest factors in deciding a game and that could play a huge role Saturday afternoon. UT’s +8 mark is tied for third in the MAC while CMU’s -6 is last. With much uncertainty on the defensive line, Campbell
Vincent d. scebbi / IC
Sophomore defensive back Jordan Haden returns an interception for a touchdown Saturday against Western Michigan. Saturday’s Homecoming game starts at 3 p.m.
will rely on his linebacking corps — especially senior Dan Molls — even more. Molls is second in the nation in total tackles and his coach isn’t shy about showing his appreciation. “Dan Molls is one of the best players this program’s
had,” Campbell said. “You can turn the film on, you can watch him play and I’ve seen it for four years here. It’s an honor to coach him. I know he’ll continue to lead our defense and he’s done a great job.” Kickoff for is set for 3 p.m.
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Hellogoodbye rocks UT
bob taylor / IC
Members of Hellogoodbye perform during their free concert in front of Memorial Field House Wednesday night. The concert was sponsored by Campus Activities and Programming.
Friday, October 5, 2012 | The Independent Collegian |
IC Staff talks tailgating
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Vincent D. scebbi Editor-inChief
Jay Skebba Sports Editor
Danielle Gamble News Editor
Russell Axon Rocket Life Editor
Nate Pentecost Managing Editor
Bob Taylor Director of Photography
Tunes — Celtic Rock. Bands like Flogging Molly, The Fratellis and Dropkick Murphys have an edgy vibe. It’s the same music that dudes in Europe turn on to get pumped for soccer — the perfect combination of staying focused and kicking butt.
Tunes — Something upbeat. A good mix of rap, rock and metal usually does it. Eminem, Metallica and Jay-Z all have high-energy beats.
Tunes — The Rocket Marching Band. Their tailgater performance at Lot 10 and their pre-game show always get me rowdy. Of course, you can listen to them on demand if you have “Sounds of the Stadium,” the 2011 RMB’s greatest hits album, featuring season highlights and crowd favorites.
Tunes — Classic ‘80s rock. Bon Jovi, Poison, Guns N Roses, ACDC and finish with The Final Countdown by Europe. A lot of people say a good pump-up mix should rise in energy and then descend into a cool down. I say it should just rise.
Tunes — Whatever is playing at Rocket Hall. I don’t have a lot of time to listen to my own music — I have to leave early to cover the game.
Tunes — Top 40 hits. Whatever radio is cranked up, I’m not too particular. Although I have a soft spot for that Taylor Swift girl — she really knows how to rock a slow jam.
Food — Burgers from a charcoal grill. Nothing says football like destroying pounds of red meat. I think it’s symbolic.
Food — Wisconsin food. Being from Milwaukee, it’s all about the Klements bratwurst and Miller Lite. Duh.
Food — Barbeque. Give me a pulled pork sandwich and a side of coleslaw any game day. When the weather is just right, it feels like you’re at an SEC game.
Food — Brats and potato chips. Grilled, roasted, steamed in beer — doesn’t matter how they’re cooked as long as they’re free.
Food — Food from the press box. Breaded chicken, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, cold salads — UT knows how to put out a spread. Of course, dessert is always the best part.
Food — Burgers with Krispy Kreme donuts as buns. I’m serious — I know it sounds like instant diabetes, but they’re pretty good.
Activities — Tossing the ol’ pigskin. I’m a playmaker on the pavement. It just seems right to get excited for football by playing football.
Activities — Eat! Just sit around in a circle and stuff your face with food and drinks. If you’re a real fan, you’ll save your energy for the game.
Activities — Visiting the alumni pavilion. Nothing wrong with hanging out with alumni, listening to the Blue and Gold Band and eating grilled hot dogs — especially when they’re free and all you can eat. Plus, that new fire pit is perfect for staying toasty.
Activities — Playing Frisbee. Just make sure it doesn’t turn into tackle Frisbee — that blacktop can be unforgiving.
Activities — People watch. I catch up with friends and watch people do foolish things. It’s not like I can drink before the game — since I have to cover it for the paper, it’s the responsible choice.
Activities — Throwing a boomerang. Because Frisbee is overrated.
Spirit Accessory — Face Paint. And I don’t mean a cute little cheek sticker — I’m talking covered from forehead to chin with blue and gold running down my face. They don’t call it “war paint” for nothing.
Spirit Accessory — Under Armour. If it’s cold, you’ve got to go with some Under Armour. It’s definitely worth the $70.
Spirit Accessory — Lucky Rocket Socks. It doesn’t matter that you can’t see my spirit — you can probably smell it.
Spirit Accessory — A Classic UT Sweatshirt. Can’t go wrong with a hoodie on a fall day. It helps me stay warm and stylish while supporting my team.
Spirit Accessory — A good attitude. I refrain from wearing any University of Toledo gear to maintain professionalism while covering the game.
Spirit Accessory — A rubber chicken. No joke, it’s a family football tradition dating back to the ‘70s. It comes in handy — ref makes a bad call? BAAWK! BAAAAWK!
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homecomings from the past 1935
1969
1962 Photos courtesy of the University of Toledo archives
Friday, October 5, 2012 | The Independent Collegian |
Getting to know the spirited fans behind the masks Blue Crew
Q&A with Nature Boy, Blue Crew president. Founded: Sept. 2, 2001. Motto: “A rocket does not go very far without fuel; we need to ignite it with a full tank of potential!” Crew size: Always 10 members. How would you define your job as a spirit organization? “Our job is to pump up the crowd at games and events and to cheer on our Rockets!” What’s with those nicknames? How and when are they chosen? “At random times. It usually happens when a member does something and a name is formed based on that action or situation.” What does being masked mean to you? “Being masked means representing all Rockets of the past, present and future as a whole. We are masked because we do not just represent ourselves, but Rocket Nation as a whole. Rocket pride is a whole lot bigger than one person.” What is your group doing for Homecoming? “Walking in the parade and passing out candy. This is one of our biggest and most favorite traditions.”
True Blue
Q&A with Bowser and Powder Puff, True Blue president and vice president. Founded: March 4, 2009. Motto: “Life is too short to be awesome all the time.” Crew size: 11 active members. How would you define your job as a
Vincent D. Scebbi / IC
Blue Crew (top) and True Blue (bottom) cheer for Toledo during the Sept. 15 football game against Bowling Green.
spirit organization? “Our purpose is to create a positive image of our university and its student body. We also support and promote other organizations on campus and their activities as well in an attempt to better the college experience for our fellow students. Our organization takes pride in acting as a leading face to all past, current and future Rocket Fanatics.” What’s with those nicknames? How and when are they chosen? “They are chosen by how a person acts before and during their interview process. Whether they dance funny, say a certain thing or look a certain way.”
What does being masked mean to you? “To be in mask means being able to do something you have never been able to do, to be a part of something you have never been a part of. While in mask we are a family, and even out of group we still have that unity. Being a part of True Blue is one of the greatest things to have ever happened to us, and we have gained a lot of fantastic friendships and people to call family.” What are you doing for homecoming? “During Homecoming we will be attending Men’s Tennis, Swimming and Diving, Softball, Football and Volleyball, so we are unable to walk in the parade.”
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